Health chiefs have said “negative” to allegations that a perceived problem with the computer system managed by a private set up, will upset the immunization schedule of thousands of babies and young children.
This system was initiated as part of the Health IT initiative by the Government, to track the immunization schedule of babies and children. Subsequent to the problem, it is estimated that nearly 3,000 children would find themselves in the throes of chaos, mainly in London and Essex, where this system has been introduced.A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said "We know there are some problems with collecting data in some specific areas of the country. We are looking to Connecting for Health and the new IT systems to resolve the problems within the childhood immunisation record keeping processes. The present circumstances do not compromise the delivery of the childhood immunisation programme or public health. Every GP holds detailed patient records which include information about the vaccinations a child has received."
According to her, the current vaccine payment system, was built with financial incentives for the GPs to go the extra mile to ensure every child got the vaccinations as per the schedule.
